Rose Barbie, 61, grew up in Tampa and had grandparents on both sides of the family who worked in cigar factories. Her heritage is Sicilian and Cuban, meaning she speaks three languages. ...more

July 5, 2008

"Staycation." It's become the summer buzzword reflecting vacationers' inclination to stay close to home as gas prices soar and the economy sags. ...more

July 4, 2008

TAMPA - "Staycation." It's become the summer buzzword reflecting vacationers' inclination to stay close to home as gas prices soar and the economy sags. ...more

July 3, 2008

Hillsborough Fourth of July Celebration; family fun features face painters, balloon artists, live music and more; 2 p.m.Friday (fireworks at 9 p.m.); free; Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 223-4250 ...more

July 3, 2008

Hillsborough Fourth of July Celebration; family fun features face painters, balloon artists, live music and more; 2 p.m. today (fireworks at 9 p.m.); free; Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 223-4250 ...more

July 3, 2008

Parades and fireworks mark the celebration of the country's birthday, the Fourth of July. Many events are free, several feature musicians and other entertainers, and virtually all are designed for all ages. Here are some of the events Friday: ...more

June 30, 2008

The Brandon Family Support & Resource Center is seeking local teens interested in mapping out some summer fun and earning volunteer hours working on other community programs. ...more

June 21, 2008

Twelve-year-old Michael Mendenhall plays Neil Diamond on eight-track and compares the sound quality of Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" on vinyl to compact disc. He scouts eBay and flea markets for a mouse he can hook up to a vintage 1980s Apple computer. ...more

June 18, 2008

Twelve-year-old Michael Mendenhall plays Neil Diamond on eight-track and compares the sound quality of Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" on vinyl to compact disc. He scouts eBay and flea markets for a mouse he can hook up to a vintage 1980s Apple computer. ...more

June 14, 2008

When Hillsborough County schools closed last week, more than 190,000 students were unleashed to begin practicing their summer chant: ...more

June 11, 2008